Horn Seed Co. to close after 91 years in Oklahoma City

A second summer of extreme heat and a devastating fire in February contributed to the decision by owners of Horn Seed Co. to close the business after 91 years in business in Oklahoma City.

 
By Jennifer Palmer | Published: August 8, 2012    Comment on this article Leave a comment

Horn Seed Co., considered to be Oklahoma City's first modern garden center, is closing after 91 years.

A devastating fire earlier this year and another brutally hot summer convinced owners Beverly and David Shumake they couldn't keep the business afloat.

photo - Horn Seed Co. customer Trish Collins carries a pink flamingo out the front door. The business is closing after 91 years. <strong>Steve Gooch - The Oklahoman</strong>
Horn Seed Co. customer Trish Collins carries a pink flamingo out the front door. The business is closing after 91 years. Steve Gooch - The Oklahoman

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Horn Seed Co.

Store closing sale began Wednesday. Everything is 40-50 percent off.

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; closed Tuesday.

“It's breaking our hearts,” Beverly Shumake said Wednesday after the announcement was made. “We've had so many customers come in and say, ‘Can't we save this business?' I wish there was a way.”

Horn Seed Co., at 1409 Northwest Expressway, is known for its customer service and yearly Christmas open house, which featured a visit from Santa, horse-drawn sleigh rides, Christmas trees and decorations. Representatives also are known for their deep knowledge of plants and flowers.

A fire in February wiped out this year's Christmas inventory, which is ordered nearly a year in advance, and it couldn't be replaced. The store has also been hit by two recent hail storms. Each resulted in high insurance deductible payments, Shumake said.

A second summer of extreme heat has been devastating for the business, which is weather-dependent, she added. Horn Seed Co. guarantees its products, so it has been replacing many customers' plants that couldn't survive the weather.

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